KR20090042321A - Stitchless seam system for joinging laminates - Google Patents

Abstract

A stitchless seam between a first panel (4) having a functional layer and a second panel (4) having a functional layer is provided. The seam system is formed via a discontinuos fused stitchless seam (6), which connetcts a first panel to a second panel. A reinforcement (5) may be used to strengthen the discontinuos fused stitchless seam connecting the first panel to the second panel, allowing formation of a liquid-impervious stitchless seam system. A method for forming the system is also provided.

Description

STITCHLESS SEAM SYSTEM FOR JOINGING LAMINATES}

The present invention relates to a stitchless seam system between laminates such that a functionally waterproof stitchless seam width is created between adjacent laminate panels.

Stitchless seam systems are used to make high performance waterproof garments and footwear. While traditional fused seams are used in waterproof garments, such seams tend to be rather stiff. In addition, the continuous bending of stitchless seams reduces the life of the garment. The stitchless seams of the invention allow for the formation of very small dimensions of seams that provide flexibility and maintain the original state of the seams to prevent cracking. It is known in the industry to use coated fabric composites or fabric laminates and liquid protective barrier thin films to make waterproof protective clothing and protective footwear. The most common of these applications is breathable waterproof clothing. Typical examples include laminate materials that include breathable waterproof films laminated or bonded to one or more fabric layers and are sold under the trademark GORE-TEX by WL Gore and Associates. These laminates are made of clothing and footwear, such as is sold as GORE-TEX ^® garments. Also coated fabrics can be used in fabric composites for this same purpose.

Pieces or panels of these laminates are joined together to form garments and other similar fabric structures. In the case of footwear, the pieces or panels of the laminate are typically joined together to form a bootie that is integrated as a liner in the outer shell of the footwear and engages the sole. In the case of garments and footwear which will be waterproof and protective, it is necessary to seal the seam where the panels of the laminate are joined together. The bonding of such laminate panels is usually done by first sewing the laminate together using conventional sewing techniques. The waterproof seal of these sewn seams is then by attachment of a seam seal tape with a thermoplastic hot melt adhesive that seals the surface of the coating or protective barrier film to create a seal over the area where the sewing holes and layers connect between the stitches. Is achieved. The seam sealing tape can be heated, for example, using a nozzle that directs a hot air stream to melt the adhesive. The tape is then attached onto the seam and both are passed through a nip of a pair of pressure rollers to squeeze the melted adhesive onto the protective layer surface to ensure good bonding of the tape to the surface. For aesthetic reasons, seam sealing tape is typically attached to the inside of the garment to hide from view. In the case of a bootie for covering the foot, the seam sealing tape is typically attached to the outside of the bootie between the lining material and the outer shell of the footwear so as to be hidden from view. Less common sealing techniques such as gluing and fusing are also known in the art.

Although different fused seams are disclosed in the art, none of the prior art teaches the present invention. US Pat. No. 6,798,088 discloses a method of joining pieces of fabric. In this method, a cutting edge is formed and threaded at the cutting edge of each piece of fabric. The fabric pieces are then placed in a partially overlapping manner with each other and pressed together between the sonotrode and the anvil. At least one of the sonotrode or anvil has a surface profile with a plurality of high portions. The fabric piece is joined by the ultrasonic vibration of the sonot rod. The pattern of the high portion in the sonotrode and / or anvil causes the fabric to fuse or plasticize only at certain points, leaving the fabric at other points. Thus, discontinuous seams fused by ultrasound are produced.

U. S. Patent No. 6,103, 325 discloses an ultrasonically formed seam having a laminate sheet on one side consisting only of polyester fabric and the other side of the sheet consisting of a polyurethane coating. To form the seam, the sides of the fabric coated with polyurethane are contacted and ultrasonic energy is applied to fuse the fabrics together to form a single monolithic waterproof seam.

WO 2005/000055 discloses a fused seam between the edges of two laminates, where each fabric layer consists of two components having different melting temperatures. The seam is formed by the molten second component and the unmelted first component of the fabric layer of each laminate. The edges of the seamed laminate are in edge to edge butt orientation.

US Patent Publication No. 2003/0135185 discloses adhesive free absorbent garments, the components of which are held together by one or more adhesive free joints. In one embodiment, the adhesive free junction is formed ultrasonically.

There is a need in the apparel and footwear industry for a reliable and effective technique for joining two or more panels of complex or multilayer fabric laminate structures to form flexible waterproof seams for apparel and protective footwear. In addition, there is a need in the industry for fused waterproof seams that exhibit flexibility, durability, strength and crack resistance. The present invention addresses the needs of the industry.

Justice

A "panel" is a laminate having at least one barrier layer and at least one additional layer, such as a woven, nonwoven or other suitable material layer.

The panel may further comprise a coated fabric, protective layer, barrier, thin film or film.

A "protective layer", "barrier layer", "functional layer" or "film" is defined as a film or coating that provides a barrier to liquid water penetration minimally, ideally in the range of liquid chemical conductivity. The layer is considered waterproof if it prevents liquid water ingress for a pressure of at least 0.07 bar for at least three minutes. The protective layer material preferably ensures a water penetration pressure in excess of 0.07 bar. The water penetration pressure is measured for the waterproof panel based on the same conditions as described with respect to the waterproof seam Tester Test described herein.

"Seam" is defined as the area where two or more panels are permanently joined together by sewing, gluing, fusing, or other mechanical bonding.

A “waterproof seam” is a stitchless seam that does not leak or soak liquid when faced with the challenge of a test fluid at a pressure of at least 0.07 bar for at least three minutes. The test fluid is at least water, ideally a liquid chemical.

"Clothing" is defined as a garment comprising a coat, jacket, shirt, pants, suit, gloves, hat or other structure formed from a bonded laminate panel.

"Shoes" are defined as shades for the feet, such as shoes, boots, socks, and the like, incorporating one or more laminate panels, including a protective layer, which are joined together by at least one durable waterproof seam. The laminate panel may form a bootie as a liner in the footwear or, alternatively, the bonded laminate panel may have both the upper and the liner of the footwear when attached to or attached to another component of the footwear.

"Discontinuous seam" is defined as a seam with an intermittent area, or alternatively at least one continuous fused stitchless seam with varying degrees of proximity to the cutting edge.

"Reinforcement" is defined as any material suitable for increasing the strength of a seam that bonds a first panel to a second panel. The reinforcement may provide a liquid impermeable seam. The reinforcement joins the first panel to the second panel across the discontinuous fused seam.

"Sim width" is defined as the distance from the cut edge of the panel to the seam portion furthest from the cut edge.

The present invention provides a waterproof stretchless seam system between at least two panels. The system includes a first panel having a waterproof layer, a second panel having a waterproof layer, and a discontinuous seam that couples the first panel to the second panel. A reinforcement may be added that enhances the discontinuous seam that couples the first panel to the second panel to provide a liquid impermeable seam.

The invention further provides a waterproof stitchless seam between panels having a first panel having a waterproof function layer and a second panel having a waterproof function layer joined by a first discontinuous seam. The first discontinuous seam may add a second seam that couples the first panel to the second panel and reinforces the first discontinuous seam that couples the first panel to the second panel to provide a liquid impermeable seam. .

Further provided is a method of joining the pieces of waterproof laminate together to form a fused waterproof stitchless seam. The method includes placing at least two pieces of a waterproof laminate each having at least a fabric layer and a waterproof functional layer in a stacked relationship such that the fabric zones contact each other to form a seam width region defining the positioning of the stitchless seam line. Is achieved by. Heat and pressure are then applied to the laminated laminate along the seam width, wherein heat is applied continuously, said pressure being applied at regular intervals and continuously adjacent to the edge of the stitchless seam line forming a continuous stitchless seam. A plurality of seams are formed along the seam zone by being applied at predetermined intervals parallel to the conventional stitchless seams to form discrete stitchless seams. The continuous stitchless seam may be a cut welded seam. Reinforcements may be added to reinforce the bonds between the panels.

1A-1F are schematic diagrams showing two panels joined by discontinuous fused seams.

2 is a cross-sectional view of a three layer laminate prior to fusing, sewing or sealing.

3 is a cross sectional view of two three layer laminate panels bonded via a discontinuously fused seam configuration formed by embossed ribs.

4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a discontinuous seam configuration between three layer laminate panels overlying the seam and having a reinforcement attached to the inside and cut ends of the panel.

5 is a cross sectional view of a two layer laminate panel fused such that a complex fabric structure forms a discrete stitchless seam zone;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a discontinuous stitchless seam used to join two laminate panels, in which the cutting edge is pressed to one side.

7 is a schematic side view of a sonic welder in a state where two panels are stacked on each other.

8 is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic fusion wheel with cutting ribs.

9-14 illustrate various discontinuous seam patterns expected.

The present invention provides a stitchless seam system 1 formed by a fused garment panel such as a waterproof laminate having a continuous stitchless seam adjacent to discontinuous stitchless seams. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stitchless seam system 1 comprises two or more panels of laminates ultrasonically fused to form one or more continuous stitchless seams adjacent to one or more discrete stitchless seams. The stitchless seam system 1 of the present invention is very suitable for forming between functionally waterproof panels.

1a to 1f show a stitchless seam system 1 formed between at least two panels via a discontinuous seam 6, shown to couple the first panel 5 to the second panel 7. The simplest embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The panel has an outer surface 8, an inner surface 10 and a cutting edge. The panels are joined in a stacked relationship via a discontinuous seam 6. The cutting edge 12 may also have a cutting weld 14 formed around the panel. The cutting weld 14 may be formed by a cutting wheel or ultrasonic fusion. The distance between the cutting edge and the distal portion of the discontinuous seam 6 is called seam width 15. The term discontinuous seam (6) refers to the discontinuous stitchless seams, the joined edges parallel to and farthest from the cutting edge of the panel. Suitable types of fusion include ultrasound, radio frequency (RF), heat, adhesives, localized thermal bonding. Secondary seams may be used for the discontinuous seams 6 to form the stitchless seam system 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1B, 1C, 1E and 4, the stitchless seam system 1 may further include a reinforcement 5 to add durability and / or strength.

Discontinuous stitchless seam systems 1 (FIGS. 1A-1E and 3-6) are fused stitchless seams with intermittent regions, or alternatively points of varying degree of proximity to the cutting edge as shown in FIG. 1F. At least one successive fused stitchless seam having the At least one seam oriented substantially parallel to the cutting edge in the seam zone constitutes seam width 15. Depending on the seam width and the distance between the multiple seams, the width of the seam system will vary. 2 shows a panel 4 with multilayer laminates useful in the present invention. The multilayer laminate has an outer surface 8, an inner surface 10 and a functional layer 9. The functional layer 9 may be a thin film, film, laminate comprising polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded PTFE, polyurethane or other suitable material. The functional layer may provide a panel with a functionally waterproof film or thin film that does not leak or soak when faced with the challenge of the test fluid at a pressure of at least 0.07 bar for at least three minutes. The individual layers that make up the laminate may be joined or otherwise joined via adhesive 13.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the discontinuity is increased so as to increase the strength of the stitchless seam system 1 which couples the first panel 5 to the second panel 7 and provides a liquid impermeable seam. The reinforcement 5 may be used for proper seaming. The reinforcement material (5) is used in fabric tapes, waterproof tapes, yarns or waterproof fabric laminates, yarns, tapes, Kevlar ™, polyester, nylon, inelastic materials, seam tapes, fabric laminates, sealing polymers or seam systems when subjected to stress or wear. It may be any suitable material, including other materials that provide the reinforcement 5 as a whole. The stiffener 5 also couples the first panel 5 to the second panel 7 across the discontinuous fused seams. Thin reinforcements 5 which sufficiently withstand deformation and allow for maximum solubility are preferred. The stiffener 5 may also provide barrier properties. The stiffener 5 can be integrated as part of the seam tape. In this aspect, the stiffener 5 need not be as wide as the width of the seam tape so that the tape edges achieve a profile that is thinner than the profile of the tape adjacent the stiffener 5. It is envisioned that discontinuous seams 6 may be used with the sealing polymer to provide barrier properties. It is also contemplated that one or more additional fused seams may be incorporated in the width of the stitchless seam zone. One or more additional fused seams may be continuous fused seams, discontinuous fused seams or a combination of two types of fused seams. The additional seam is preferably heat welded. The reinforcement 5 may be a multilayer stitchless seam tape having an upper layer, an adhesive layer and a reinforcement 5. The reinforcement 5 may be a separate layer used to enhance seam strength after attachment to the fused seam. The reinforcement 5 may improve the water resistance and / or seam strength of the seam. The stiffener 5 is attached to the inner surface of the waterproof panel of the article. In one embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement 5 is in the form of a seam tape, as shown in FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1E. The seam tape may be secured to both sides of the seam itself. For aesthetic reasons, seam tape is typically attached to the inside of the garment to hide from view. Thus, the seam tape is preferably secured to the lining side of the garment or accessory. The seam tape can be soluble adhesive tape, soluble fabric tape or soluble laminate tape. One example of a soluble tape is a weldable tape having at least one thermoplastic component that is meltable at a temperature in the range of 80 ° C to 230 ° C. In another embodiment, the seam tape may be a thermoplastic film that softens and flows when heated. More generally, the seam tape includes a backing tape on one side that is covered with a hot melt adhesive.

In one embodiment, after the discontinuous seam 6 has been produced according to the invention, the seam tape (reinforcement) 5 is heated, for example, by blowing with hot air to melt the adhesive. The reinforcement 5 is then attached over the seam and both are passed through the nip of a pair of pressure rollers to squeeze the melted adhesive onto the panel 4 to ensure good bonding of the reinforcement 5 to the underlying panel 4. do. The seam tape on the panel and the discontinuous seam 6 are conveyed continuously through a distance and joined together. Reinforcement 5 of any width may be used, such as a seam tape. However, the present invention also allows the use of very thin and narrow seam tapes due to the thinly fused discontinuous seam 6 itself and in that there is no room for actual seam. The seam tape preferably has a width of 15 mm or less. In the case of a waterproof seam, it is advantageous to continuously bond the seam tape to the panel and the seam width and cutting weld zone of the seam, as shown in FIG. 4.

In another aspect, the stitchless seam system 1 has a designated cut edge 12 of the first panel 5 with the second panel (with the outer surface 8 of the panel laminated to each other such that they are bonded together as in FIG. 1A). It may further comprise a continuous bond to the cutting edge 12 of 7). The fabric panels can be fused together at their edges by acoustic fusion beads. As shown in FIG. 7, a sonic fusion portion may be formed with a head having integral embossed fusion and cutting functions. Acoustic fusion beads are formed when a sonic welder 16 passes high frequencies through the panels to join the panels. Discontinuous seams 6 are formed by placing two panels on top of each other, with the fabric facing outwards in contact with each other. Fused stitchless seams are created along one edge of the layered laminate panel by moving the layered panel between the rotating anvil 17 and the sonot rod 18. The layers extend so that the anvil cuts the edges of the panels simultaneously and fuses them together. In a preferred embodiment, the speed settings of both anvil and sonot rod are the same.

Sound waves vibrate the panels, producing heat through the friction of one panel against another. The sonic fusion process melts or otherwise fuses the edges of the fabric together. The welder, ie the head of the anvil 17, is an embossed rib 21 on the ultrasonic fusion wheel 20 having a profile that determines the width of the sonic fusion beads to be made, as well as discontinuous seams when the seam is formed through sonic fusion. The scraping side of (6) may be provided with a cutting rib that is sharp enough to trim the unrelated portion of the fabric panel. The cutting ribs 23 may form joints that are continuous or discontinuously fused to the outer edges when melting and cutting the panel. When both continuous and discontinuous beads are formed in the seam zone, it is advantageous to provide a narrow stitchless seam zone by orienting the continuous bond in parallel and parallel to the discontinuous bond. Discontinuous joints may be formed in a variety of patterns, including cross hatch patterns, dot patterns, sinusoidal patterns, or any other suitable pattern or stitchless seam edge design. 9 to 14 show some examples of discontinuous seams formed through embossing ribs 21. As can be seen, the embossed design can vary in length, width and pattern depending on the desired application.

In one aspect of the invention, a liquid impervious stitchless seam system 1 is provided, which has an outer surface 8, an inner surface 10, and a designated stitchless cutting edge 12. A first panel 5 having a waterproof function layer 9, a second panel 7 having a waterproof function layer 9 having an outer surface 8, an inner surface and a designated stitchless seam edge, and an outer surface of the panels ( 8) of the first panel 5 to form discontinuously bonded joints on the plane formed by the outer surfaces 8 of the joined panels, whereby the joining regions furthest from the stitchless seam edges of the panels are joined together. It has a discontinuous joint that joins the designated stitchless seam edges in a stacked relationship with each other to the designated stitchless seam edges of the second panel 7.

8 shows a cross sectional view of a fusion wheel 20 used to produce a discontinuous seam 6 via ultrasonic bonding. The fusion wheel 20 generally has at least one discontinuous circumferential embossing rib 21 mounted on the wheel that rotates about the axis 25. The embossed ribs 21 allow the panels to be joined together without puncturing the panel 4 at the point where the embossed ribs contact the panel. The ultrasonic fusion wheel may further comprise a circumferential cutting rib 23 as shown in FIG. 8. The circumferential cutting ribs 23 are preferably mounted at least 0.01 mm from the discontinuous embossing ribs. The circumferential cutting ribs 23 protrude further outward from the wheel than the discontinuous embossing ribs 21. The clearance of the stitchless seam can be cut at the same time as the attachment of the fused cutting seam (s) produced by the cutting ribs 23 or alternatively can be cut through a separate step.

The circumferential cutting rib and the discontinuous embossing rib are preferably parallel to each other. However, in some designs it is expected that discontinuous embossing ribs and cutting ribs may not be parallel to each other. For example, a discontinuous seam 6 that couples the first panel 5 to the second panel 7 is attached at the same time as the panels are cut at the designated stitchless seam edge.

The stitchless seam system 1 of the present invention is novel in that the stitchless seam can obtain a breaking strength of greater than 200N. In addition, the stitchless seam system 1 of the present invention appears to withstand continuous cleaning and drying cycles for at least 24 hours without the edges of the panels being separated.

A method of forming the waterproof stitchless seam system 1 is provided. The seam system has the pieces of waterproof laminate together such that at least two pieces of waterproof laminate each having at least a fabric layer and a waterproof functional layer 9 are arranged in a stacked relationship such that the fabric zones are in contact with each other along the strip forming the seam zone. It is formed by bonding. Heat and pressure are applied to the laminate laminated along the strip, where heat is applied continuously and pressure is applied at regular intervals closest to the edge of the stitchless seam line forming a continuous seam. Heat and pressure are applied at predetermined intervals parallel to the continuous seams or in a continuous manner to form a plurality of seams along the strip by forming discrete stitchless seams. The plurality of seams extend in the longitudinal direction with the panel, forming a width disposed across an area called the seam zone, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1F.

The layered panel is formed of a single seam that creates continuous seams along the cutting edge of the panel, with discontinuous fusion lines creating discrete seams 6 disposed adjacent the cutting edge fusions in a direction parallel to the cutting edge fusions. Grooves beneath the wheel create a continuous fusion cut weld.

The stiffener 5 can be attached to reinforce the discontinuous seam 6. For example, a reinforcement 5, such as a seam tape with a hot melt polyurethane adhesive, heats the stitchless seam tape to a temperature sufficient to melt the polyurethane adhesive and compresses the melted adhesive onto the surface of the protective layer to tape to the surface. The tape and stitchless seam can be attached to the sealing zone by passing under the pressure roller to ensure a good bond. The stitchless seam zone may be reinforced by one or more reinforcements, including but not limited to tape, yarn, and fabric laminates. Additional cooling and quenching steps can be performed to provide flexible seams. After reinforcing seam tape is attached and cut welded onto the discontinuous seam, the heated reinforcement tape can then be cooled under pressure to provide a more flexible seam.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, the invention is not limited to such illustrations and descriptions. Changes and modifications may be incorporated and implemented as part of the invention within the scope of the following claims. The following examples are provided for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Example 1-Fusion Cut / Tape-ST78AU / Tricot

A waterproof stitchless seam was formed between the two laminate panels in the following manner.

A three layer fabric laminate was formed having a composite barrier thin film sandwiched between two fabric layers. The composite barrier thin film was a composite of polyurethane coated microporous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) thin film prepared according to US Pat. No. 4,194,041 using a water vapor permeable nonporous polyurethane coating on ePTFE. One side of this thin film was laminated using a plurality of moisture curable polyurethane adhesive dots on a polyester / spandex fabric layer weighing approximately 0.4 mm and weighing approximately 97 g / m ² . The other side of the thin film was again laminated to a nylon tricot knit fabric approximately 0.6 mm thick and approximately 38 g / m ² using dots of a plurality of moisture curable polyurethane adhesives. Subsequently, two panels with approximate dimensions of about 0.15 m × 0.7 m were cut from this three layer fabric laminate.

The two panels were laid flat on the table on top of each other so that the nylon / spandex fabrics contacted each other. Moving the layered panels between the rotating anvil and the sonotrode produced a stitchless seam fused along one edge of the layered laminate panel. The layers extend to allow the anvil to simultaneously cut and fuse the edges of the fabric to do what is commonly referred to as butt weld. This butt welding was accomplished using a Racemaster / Seammaster ultrasonic sewing machine available from Sonobond Ultrasonics (West Chester, PA) equipped with R1027 anvil. The ultrasonic sewing machine was operated at the following conditions: speed of 2, amplitude of 10 and air pressure set to 60 psi. The speed settings of the anvil and sonot rods were kept the same. Stitchless seams were made by moving the layered panel on the right side of the wheel to create a single continuous fusion line.

The molten adhesive is pressed onto the protective layer surface to ensure that the stitchless seam tape is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the polyurethane adhesive and the tape and stitchless seam are nip of a pair of pressure rollers to ensure good bonding of the tape to the surface. A 13 mm wide stitchless seam tape (GORE SEAM® stitchless seam tape from WL Gore and Associates, Elkton, MD) with a hot melt polyurethane adhesive was attached to the sealing zone by passing through. The resulting stitchless seam between the two laminate panels was tested using a waterproof seam suter test and determined to be waterproof based on the passage of 0.07 bar / 3 minute challenge. The stitchless seam was then tested for a durable waterproof seam and the sample passed the 0.07 bar / 3 minute challenge again after the wash / dry action. As a further evaluation, the samples were subjected to a more severe stitchless seam challenge of 3 psi (0.22 bar) / 2 minutes in the Sutor test equipment, and no water was observed. Thus, the samples remained durable under the harshest conditions. After further evaluation, it was found that cracks occurred on the outer surface of the fabric when the stitchless seam was pulled in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the stitchless seam from which the outer fabric was separated.

Example 2-Fusion Cut / Tape-ST78AU / Trico

A waterproof stitchless seam was formed between the two laminate panels substantially in the manner described in Example 1 except as follows.

The two panels were laid flat on the table on top of each other so that the nylon / spandex fabrics contacted each other. Moving the layered panels between the rotating anvil and the sonotrode produced a stitchless seam fused along one edge of the layered laminate panel. The layers extend so that the anvil cuts the edges of the fabrics simultaneously and fuses together to do what is commonly referred to as butt weld. This fusion was achieved using a Lacemaster / Seammaster ultrasonic sewing machine available from Sonobond Ultrasonics (West Chester, Pa.) Equipped with R1027 anvil. The ultrasonic sewing machine was operated at the following conditions: speed of 2, amplitude of 10 and air pressure set to 60 psi. The speed settings of the anvil and sonot rods were kept the same. The stitched seam was created by moving the layered panel on the right side of the wheel to create a single continuous fusion line along the edge of the panel with discontinuous fusion placed approximately 0.8 mm in the direction perpendicular to the continuous fusion.

The molten adhesive is pressed onto the protective layer surface to ensure that the stitchless seam tape is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the polyurethane adhesive and the tape and stitchless seam are nip of a pair of pressure rollers to ensure good bonding of the tape to the surface. A 13 mm wide stitchless seam tape (GORE SEAM® stitchless seam tape from WL Gore and Associates, Elkton, MD) with a hot melt polyurethane adhesive was attached to the sealing zone by passing through. The resulting stitchless seam between the two laminate panels was tested using a waterproof seam suter test and determined to be waterproof based on the passage of 0.07 bar / 3 minute challenge. Subsequently, a test for durable waterproof seam was performed on the stitchless seam and the sample passed again 0.07 bar / 3 minutes challenge after the wash / dry action. As a further evaluation, the samples were subjected to a more severe stitchless seam challenge of 3 psi (0.22 bar) / 2 minutes in the Sutor test equipment, and no water was observed. Thus, the samples remained durable under the harshest conditions. After further evaluation, it was found that no crack occurred on the outer surface of the fabric when the stitchless seam was pulled in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the stitchless seam from which the outer fabric was separated.

Example 3

The seam strength of the samples prepared in Examples 1 and 2 was evaluated using a modified gripping failure method. Five 4 "x 8" samples were cut from each sample prepared in Examples 1 and 2 using a Lab 500 USM Clicker Press (model SN-SE25 sold by Hudson Machinery Worldwide). . The cut sample was oriented parallel to the direction of the 4 "face. The seam was placed approximately 4" from the cutting edge along the 8 "length and extended perpendicular to the 8" direction. Samples were mounted on an Instron tester (Instron Model 5565, available from Instron Corporation) using fastening fixtures providing a 1 "square fastening area. A 4" clearance was maintained between the clamps. Care was taken to place the seams from each clamp set at equal intervals as well as to place the center line of the clamps extending perpendicular to the seam at 2 "from the cutting edge extending in the direction perpendicular to the 8" edge. Once mounted, the Instron tester applied a constant displacement of 50 mm / min to the sample in a direction perpendicular to the seam direction. Instron testers record the load during displacement. The test was completed after recording the maximum load and percent strain in Newtons when the seam failed.

Seam strength (N) Strain at break Average St. Dev. Example 1 ST78AV Cutting-1 221 18 214 6 Example 1 ST78AV Cutting-2 211 17 Example 1 ST78AV Cutting-3 215 17 Example 1 ST78AV Cutting-4 218 17 Example 1 ST78AV CUT-5 206 16 Example 2 ST78AV 1027T-1 262 19 261 5 Example 2 ST78AV 1027T-2 264 20 Example 2 ST78AV 1027T-3 259 20 Example 2 ST78AV 1027T-4 254 19 Example 2 ST78AV 1027T-5 266 19

Claims (40)

As a waterproof stitchh seam between panels, A first panel having a waterproof function layer, A second panel having a waterproof function layer, A discontinuous fused stitchless seam that couples the first panel to a second panel, Reinforcement to provide discontinuous fused stitchless seams that join the first panel to the second panel to provide liquid impermeable seams Stitchless seams having a. As a waterproof stitchh seam between panels, A first panel having a waterproof function layer, A second panel having a waterproof function layer, A discontinuous fused stitchless seam that couples the first panel to a second panel, Continuously fused stitchless seams arranged parallel to the discontinuous fused stitchless seams to bond the first panel to the second panel to provide a liquid impermeable seam. Stitchless seams having a. The stitchless seam of claim 1, wherein the discontinuous fused seam is an ultrasonic thermal weld. The stitchless seam of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement is a tape. The stitchless seam of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement is a fabric laminate. The stitchless seam of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement is a stitchless seam that is not fused with the sealing polymer. The stitchless seam of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement is a sealing polymer. The stitchless seam of claim 1, further comprising a second fused seam. The stitchless seam of claim 8, wherein the second fused stitchless seam is a continuous heat fused seam. The stitchless seam of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement couples the first panel to the second panel across the discontinuous fused seam. The stitchless seam of claim 1, wherein the waterproof function layer is a thin film. The stitchless seam of claim 1, wherein the waterproof functional layer comprises ePTFE. As a waterproof stitch release seam, A first panel having a waterproof function layer having an outer surface, an inner surface and a designated stitchless seam edge; A second panel having a waterproof function layer having an outer surface, an inner surface and a designated stitchless seam edge; By joining the designated stitchless seam edges of the first panel to each other in a stacked relationship to the designated stitchless seam edges of the second panel, the outer surfaces of the panels are joined to each other and the joining area furthest from the stitchless seam edges of the panels is joined. Discontinuous joints that result in the formation of discontinuously bonded joints on the plane formed by the outer surfaces of the panels Stitchless seams having a. 15. The stitchless seam of claim 13, further comprising a continuous joint that joins the designated stitchless seam edge of the first panel to the designated stitchless seam edge of the second panel such that the outer surfaces of the panels are bonded to each other. 15. The stitchless seam of claim 14, wherein the continuous joint is oriented parallel to the discontinuous joint. The stitchless seam of claim 13, wherein the discontinuous junction is a heat fusion. 17. The stitchless seam of claim 16, wherein said heat fusion portion is formed in a cross hatch pattern. 17. The stitchless seam of claim 16, wherein said heat fusion portion is formed in a dot pattern. 17. The stitchless seam of claim 16, wherein said heat fusion portion is formed in a sinusoidal pattern. 2. The stitchless seam of claim 1, wherein the discontinuous fused stitchless seam is produced using an ultrasonic fusion wheel having discontinuous circumferential embossed ribs mounted on the wheel. 21. The stitchless seam of claim 20, wherein the ultrasonic fusion wheel further comprises circumferential cutting ribs. 22. The stitchless seam of claim 21, wherein the circumferential cutting ribs are mounted at least 0.1 mm from discontinuous embossing ribs. 22. The stitchless seam of claim 21, wherein the circumferential cutting rib protrudes further outward from the wheel than the discontinuous embossing rib. 22. The stitchless seam of claim 21, wherein the circumferential cutting ribs and the discontinuous embossing ribs are parallel to each other. 22. The stitchless seam of claim 21, wherein the discontinuous fused stitchless seams that couple the first panel to the second panel are attached simultaneously when the panels are cut at the designated stitchless seam edge. The stitchless seam of claim 1, wherein the stitchless seam has a strength of at least 150N. The stitchless seam of claim 1, wherein the stitchless seam has a strength of at least 200N. A method of forming a fused waterproof stitchless seam that joins pieces of a waterproof laminate together, Placing at least two pieces of a waterproof laminate each having at least a fabric layer and a waterproof functional layer in such a manner that the fabric zones are stacked in contact with each other along a strip forming a stitchless seam line; Applying heat and pressure to the laminate laminated along the strip Wherein the heat is applied continuously and the pressure is applied at regular intervals closest to the edge of the stitchless seam line forming a continuous stitchless seam and at predetermined intervals parallel to the continuous stitchless seam. A method of forming a stitchless seam wherein a plurality of seams are formed along the strip by forming discrete stitchless seams. 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising cutting the margin of the stitchless seam. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the disposing step and the applying step are performed simultaneously. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the discontinuous stitchless seams are weakly bonded to the continuous seams. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the heat applied in the applying step is in the form of ultrasonic energy. 29. The method of claim 28 wherein the pressure is applied by an embossed wheel. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the plurality of seams is reinforced by at least one reinforcement. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein said reinforcement is a tape. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein the reinforcement is a thread. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the reinforcement is a fabric laminate. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein said functional layer is comprised of expanded PTFE. A fused stitchless seam between at least two panels of a laminate obtained by the method of forming a stitchless seam of claim 28. A fused stitchless seam between at least two pieces of the laminate obtained by the method of forming a stitchless seam of claim 28, wherein the fibers are heated and melted to different degrees.

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